The EMS breed numbering system (Easy Mind System) is an international standard for coding and categorizing cat breeds, colors, and patterns. The system was developed by FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline) and is used by many international cat associations to uniformly and easily identify the different variations of breed cats. Here is a detailed explanation of the EMS system:

1. Breed code (first letters).

The first letters of the EMS code represent the breed of the cat. Each cat breed has its own unique abbreviation of 2 or 3 letters. Some examples:

  • SIA: Siamese
  • PER: Persian Longhair
  • OSH: Oriental Shorthair
  • MCO: Maine Coon
  • BUR: Burmese

2. Color code (1 or 2 digits/letters).

Coat color is indicated by a numeric or letter code that follows the breed code. These codes refer to specific colors. The main colors are:

  • n: Black (noir)
  • a: Blue
  • b: Chocolate
  • c: Lilac
  • d: Red
  • e: Cream
  • f: Black tortoise (black and red mixed)
  • g:Blue tortoise
  • o: Cinnamon (cinnamon)
  • p: Fawn (light cinnamon colored)

Example: SIA n means a Siamese with black points.

3. Pattern code (optional addition).

In addition to the breed and color code, additional codes can be added to indicate the pattern of the coat. Some common patterns are:

  • 01: Harlequin (at least 50% white)
  • 02: Van (more than 75% white, usually with only colored ears and tail)
  • 03: Bicolor (about 50% white)
  • 21: Tabby (general pattern, if not precisely defined)
  • 22: Blotched tabby (classic tabby pattern)
  • 23: Mackerel tabby (striped tabby pattern)
  • 24: Spotted tabby (spotted tabby pattern)
  • 25: Ticked tabby (with no obvious stripes, just “ticked”)

4. Additional features (optional additions).

Finally, additional attributes can be added to the EMS code to describe special features or patterns:

  • s: Silver
  • y: golden coat
  • w: white
  • v: Van pattern (more than 75% white)
  • 33: Point markings (as in Siamese)
  • 11: Shaded (light tipping, dark ends)
  • 12: Shell (very light tipping, like chinchillas)

Example of a complete EMS code:

  • SIA n 21: Siamese, black, with tabby markings.
  • MCO ns 03 22: Maine Coon, black-silver, bicolor with a blotched tabby pattern.
  • PER d 02: Persian, red, with Van pattern.

5. Use of EMS codes in competitions.

EMS codes are used in stud books, exhibitions and in breeding programs to accurately describe purebred cats. They make it possible to see at a glance the main characteristics of a cat: breed, color, pattern, and any special features.

EMS codes in practice:

The EMS system is useful because of the simplicity and consistency with which breeds and their variations can be identified. The system is especially useful in the case of breeds with many possible color varieties and patterns, such as the Siamese or the Maine Coon. For breeders and judges in shows, this system is an essential tool for identifying and evaluating the right cats.

Conclusion:

The EMS breed numbering system provides a standardized and simple way to categorize and identify breed cats by breed, color, pattern, and other characteristics. It helps in maintaining pedigrees, organizing shows, and setting breeding goals.